Dolphins’ McDaniel addresses injuries, contract extension and other issues

Dolphins guards Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, who have been limited by injuries recently, will practice on Monday, coach Mike McDaniel said.

Hill is dealing with a toe issue and Waddle has been sidelined with a lower-body injury. Neither has had any issues. Both are on track to play in Sunday’s opener against Jacksonville at Hard Rock Stadium (1 p.m., CBS-4).

Meanwhile, center Aaron Brewer and defensive end Benito Jones — who have been sidelined for weeks with injuries — will practice this week. The hope is they’ll be ready to play in Sunday’s opener, but McDaniel offered no guarantees, crackling: “My crystal ball is broken.”

Brewer is expected to be able to handle the snaps because of a hand injury, McDaniel said. Liam Eichenberg has replaced Brewer at center in Brewer’s absence.

“I’m very pleased with our starting offensive line” and what happened next, McDaniel said.

McDaniel also addressed other issues on Monday:

▪ He said he learned owner Stephen Ross wanted to give him a contract extension when McDaniel had dinner at Ross’ house “a few weeks ago. I ate my whole steak.”

The three-year extension runs through 2028. “It’s just another reason to be motivated to attack every single day to the fullest,” McDaniel said.

▪ On the Jaguars defense that Miami will face on Sunday, including talented pass rushers Travon Walker (10 sacks last season) and Josh Hines-Allen (17.5 sacks last season): “Very talented group. (I’ve seen) how they come off the ball, how they play with consistency and consistent effort. That’s pretty obvious from the minimal tape we’ve seen.”

▪ With four talented quarterbacks on the 53-man roster, McDaniel wants to “get everybody involved and let the game play out,” then build on the momentum at the end.

▪ The Dolphins have plenty of options Sunday with their fourth and fifth quarterbacks behind Hill, Waddle and Braxton Berrios.

They could use a combination of two young players from the 53-man roster (Malik Washington, Grant DuBose) or two veterans from their practice squad (Robbie Chosen, Dee Eskridge). Eriz Ezukanma, who is dealing with a minor injury, is also on the practice squad.

“There are a few different directions we can go,” McDaniel said. “We’ll use the extra day of practice to give us some direction on where we can go. I feel really good about where this gym is because the existing assets we have and the people we’ve been able to add fit the way we’re trying to do it.”

Those guys in recent days have been Chosen (who played for the Dolphins last season) and Eskridge, who has 17 receptions in 24 career games.

▪ On adding quarterback Tim Boyle to the practice squad: “There’s been good overlap in previous years. I thought he did a great job this preseason. Having previous personal contact with Bobby Slowik in Houston and Matt LaFleur in Green Bay helped us. We’re excited to have him.”

THE CAPTAIN’S WERE NAMED

The Dolphins announced their captains, voted on by players: Tua Tagovailoa, Jalen Ramsey, Tyreek Hill, David Long, Alec Ingold, Terron Armstead, Zach Sieler and Calais Campbell.